Tex's Favorite Albums from 2016

1. Polica - United Crushers  

       

Great spaced-out electronic pop that sizzles in all the right place.

              

2. Flock of Dimes - If You See Me, Say Yes           

New project from Jenn Wasner, the voice of Wye Oak.  She could literally screech into a hole in the ground and I would love it.  Catchy, creative and bold album.

3. Midnight Faces - Heavenly Bodies     

Their website describes their sound as something like futuristic outlaw hot rodder music.  The album paints a very pretty picture in this vein.           

4. Aesop Rock - The Impossible Kid       

  

A great personal regret for 2016 is and will be missing this show when Aesop Rock came through town.  This one may be his best yet.

5. Caveman - Otero War             

 

Pitchfork gave this album a pretty bad review, saying that Caveman is about 10 years behind the times.  Pitchfork can go fuck itself.  This album is great.          

 

6. Wild Nothing - Life of Pause  

I've been half listening to this band for years, but from the first moments of this album, it had me on the hook.   

7. Blood Orange - Freetown Sound         

This album is the perfect snapshot of life in America in 2016.  Topical, moving, and just bursting with talent.         

8. The Avalanches - Wildflower

I'll be unpacking this album for all of 2017 too.  Dense with carefully curated samples and something like 14 years in the making.       

9. Niki and the Dove -Everybody's Heart is Broken Now

Equal parts nostalgic and fresh sounding, with a dynamic range of styles.              

10. Sulk - No Illusions   

My obligatory reverb-y rock album of the year.  Solid and polished.  Almost too polished, actually, but it works.